Newtown Active Travel Bridge update

13 November 2023

Construction of the new cycle and pedestrian active travel bridge in Newtown is progressing well, confirms Powys County Council.

Work to start building the long-awaited bridge across the River Severn began on-site in June and is being funded by Welsh Government with support from Transport for Wales. The steel, single span, open arch structure will span approximately 53 metres and connect the riverside path on the west of the river to Pool Road on the east.

Whilst the bridge superstructure has been fabricated and painted offsite in contractor premises based in Wrexham and Mold, much of the groundworks have been progressing on site, including clearing and excavation, as well as construction of the bridge foundations and temporary supports to facilitate bridge assembly.

The next stages in the project are soon to begin, with sections of the bridge structure being delivered to Kirkhamsfield Depot to be assembled to create the full bridge structure. The piling for foundations and construction of abutments will also soon be finished on each side of the river.

All being well, and without any disruptions from the weather, the construction firm responsible for the build, JN Bentley, are expecting to be able to lift the complete bridge structure into place by crane by the end of January. Currently it is planned for the bridge to be fully complete and open to the public by Spring 2024.

"This bridge will create a safe active travel link between the communities, businesses and amenities on each side of the river and will make such a difference to those living in the local area." Explains Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys.

"This project will add to the growing network of active travel routes throughout the county and will make it easier for the people of Newtown to make short journeys such as to work, school or the local shops, by bike or on foot, rather than having to get in the car.

"We appreciate that during the construction of a project of this size there will be a certain amount of disruption to the local area, and we apologise for any inconvenience and thank the local community for their patience and understanding whilst we work hard to get the bridge finished and open to the public."

Photo: Sections of the new active travel bridge for Newtown are being delivered to the Kirkhamsfield Depot. They have already been fabricated and painted and will now be assembled on-site.